28 March 2024

Nissan to up EV game in Europe


Nissan has announced plans to launch five new electric vehicles in Europe over the next three years, writes Brian Byrne.

These will include a new generation Leaf, an electric Juke, and a new Micra to be sold only in EV form. Two light commercial electric vehicles will also be introduced.

A third generation of the company's e-Power hybrid drivetrain, which runs the car on electric power from a battery charged by a combustion engine, is also being developed. 

Nissan in Europe is aiming to increase sales volume by 40pc by the end of 2026. 

Kia EV9 wins World Car of the Year


The Kia EV9 has won both the 2024 World Car of the Year and World Electric Vehicle titles, writes Brian Byrne. The win was revealed during the New York Auto Show.

The World Car of the Year Awards were established in 2003. The winners are chosen by a jury of 100 automotive journalists representing 29 countries.

The latest wins add to a list of other awards for the car, including the ‘Family Cars’ category of the Golden Steering Wheel Awards, the 2024 North American Utility Vehicle of the Year, 'Best Premium SUV' at the 2023 Newsweek Autos Awards and Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY).

WATCH: Kia EV9, Driven in Two Minutes 

READ: Kia EV9 review: Brian Byrne, Irish Car 

27 March 2024

Ford Explorer completes 30,000km globe circumnavigation


The price of the new Ford Explorer electric car will be from €42,120 in Ireland, writes Brian Byrne. Some 1,600 potential customers have signed up to Ford Ireland for continuing updates on the vehicle.

The price and specification for Ireland was announced at the finish of a record-breaking 30,000km drive around the world in a pre-production version by American adventurer Lexie Alford, pictured above at the finish line in Nice, France. The journey crossed six continents and drove through 27 countries on electric power alone. With power outages in Africa, a lack of charging infrastructure in the Atacama desert of Chile, unmade roads, mountain passes and freezing conditions, the achievement proved just what is possible in an electric vehicle.

Explorer is being introduced with a single motor rear-wheel drive in extended range form with a rated range of up to 602km. A single motor RWD powertrain with a standard-range battery will be available at a later date.

 

26 March 2024

BMW previews new X series cars


This is a taster for what BMW are planning in the look of their X model variants, a close to production concept called Vision Neue Klasse X, writes Brian Byrne. A fully-electric derivative of the concept will go into production next year.

BMW has used Vision concepts to preview models for many years. Vision Neue Klasse was first used in 2023 to show the new sedans ethos.

Neue Klasse characteristics are both electric and digital, and the Neue Klasse X vehicles will have highly-sophisticated drive and chassis control systems underpinned by new software developed in-house. 

New compact Alfa unveiling next month

Alfa Romeo teaser of the new Milano.

A new Alfa Romeo compact car, the Milano, is to be unveiled globally on 10 April, writes Brian Byrne. The car will come initially as an all-electric model, but will be followed by hybrid variants.

The 150hp electric motor will be powered by a 54kWh battery and an expected range rating will be around 400km. 

The Milano will be on the same Stellantis platform that currently underpins the Jeep Avenger.

The Alfa Romeo franchise in Ireland is now operated by the Gowan Auto group. 

Pilot connectivity initiative for Irish motorists

Image: Kapsch TrafficCom AG.

A pilot scheme in Ireland will provide 1,500 motorists with notifications of collisions, congestion, roadworks, and adverse weather conditions directly in their cars on screens, writes Brian Byrne.

The initiative will operate in the Dublin area on the M50 and M1 motorway network, as part of the Network Intelligence and Management System (NIMS) operated by Transport Infrastructure Ireland.

The pilot will utilise what's called a Cooperative Intelligent Transport System provided by Vienna-Based Kapsch TrafficCom AG, which has been incorporated into the NIMS network since January of this year. 

Dedicated in-car monitors are being provided to the participating motorists in what is both a showcase of how technology can improve road safety, and an evaluation of the initiative in real-world operation.  

Mercedes-Benz Citan is Dublin Fire Brigade's new 'flame'


Dublin Fire Brigade has added three new Mercedes-Benz Citan vans to its fleet of light commercial vehicles, writes Trish Whelan

Supplied by Motor Distributors Limited - and factory painted in Dublin Fire Brigade’s distinctive red and yellow hi-vis livery - the three 108 Citan panel vans will soon become a high-profile addition to Dublin City when put through their paces aiding the Fire Brigade in fire, rescue and emergency service applications. 

Bedecked with an array of driver comfort features, each van comes complete with MBUX and smartphone integration package, multifunction steering wheel, cruise control, lumbar support driver seat and LED interior lighting.



 

Doran Motors celebrate joining Citroen network


To celebrate the arrival of the Citroen brand at Doran Motors Carrickmacross, a launch day is being held today between 4pm and 7pm with music, food, entertainment and the chance to win prizes, all alongside a visit from Monaghan GAA players, writes Trish Whelan

Citroen Ireland has appointed Doran Motors, Carrickmacross in Monaghan as its new authorised sales and after sales outlet in the north-east. The dealership, established by Peter Doran in 1979, was recently acquired by the Frank Keane Group. Citroen joins a stable of brands already offered in the dealership, with the French marque’s new showroom now open to the public. 

Colin Sheridan, Managing Director at Citroen Ireland extended a warm welcome to the entire team at Doran Motors on joining the Citroen Ireland dealer network and wished Gerard, Carol and the team every success. He said ‘this appointment solidifies the Citroen network and will support market share in the north-east’. 

Carol Kerr, Sales Director at Doran Motors says she is looking forward to showing new and existing customers what the Citroen range has on offer in both passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. 




 

21 March 2024

Review: Audi A6 e-tron - Trish Whelan, Irish Car


Saloon cars have long been overtaken by SUV/Crossovers yet are the favoured style of car for many motorists. I believe saloons certainly still have a place both in the executive car park or on private driveways. 

The current generation A6 was launched here in 2018. The 2024 refresh adds a matte black honeycomb grille, silver air blades, new front bumper, some new wheel designs, and refreshed '3D' rear light cluster. My car sat on very smart 21-inch alloy wheels. Build quality is really good. The car is quite conservative looking compared with some of its more adventurous competitors like the new BMW’s 5-Series and the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, but perhaps Audi A6 owners prefer styling that won’t date. 


The interior is impressive in design and quality materials, in my car's case a very upmarket dark grey/black colour scheme with inlays in matte brushed aluminium to brighten the look. Front sports seats proved comfy and supportive to my back. There’s simply huge head and leg room for those in the rear seats, though the person in the middle will have to contend with the transmission tunnel. Storage is good here with nets on the front seat backs and good door bins. The mid seat back comes down for some extra storage and two cupholders. 


A fully-digital instrument panel features a big 12.3-inch screen with superb 3D Google navigation maps. The driver's display can be personalised. The centre console is angled towards the driver, as is the infotainment touchscreen display that offers quick access to the car’s functions. A lower 8.6-inch display manages climate control functions. While I usually prefer good old-fashioned knobs, I found this screen worked very well with up and down arrows big enough to adjust while on the move. The front seat heating controls are also there. I appreciated the head-up display that projected my current speed onto the windscreen so I could keep my eyes on the road. I was also very taken with the aircraft-like gear selector on the flat of the central console and it felt in my hand and now neatly it worked. I also liked the blue ambient lighting in the cabin and how, when you open the driver’s door, the four Audi rings logo is displayed brightly on the ground. Cabin storage includes a decent and lockable glovebox, two cupholders, very good door bins, and a tray area below the wide front armrest where there are two type ‘C’ small USB ports. 


The boot with its high floor is more than adequate at 360 litres and a high viz jacket and First Aid Kit are standard. A few things surprised me. Side mirrors stayed put until I turned on the engine and the blind spot monitor was of the basic sort. There was no individual setting for the electric seat adjustments. I hadn’t expected such niggles in a costly, premium Audi like this A6. 

Petrol and diesel units are both offered, with power outputs ranging from 250 to 333hp. My car was the 2.0L 204hp 40 TDI S-Line model, perhaps the last diesel we will see in the A6. Matched to a 7-speed automatic gearbox, it was a joy over all types of roads, but especially so when cruising the motorways. Steering is direct, as I like it. 


My fuel consumption came in at 5.8-6.7 L/100kms depending on the journey. With 1,160kms available, no electric car can beat that for distance and this is why I appreciate diesel cars with no range anxiety to concern me on long journeys. But with diesels you have to keep an eye on the AdBlue levels so as not to be stuck on the road if it runs out. A warning alert should appear on the instrumentation if it is at a low level. 

Standard features were a good rear-view camera, Matrix LED headlights, illuminated aluminium scuff plates, side and rear windows with heat-insulating glass and an electric tailgate. Options were a Black Pack at €2,946, 21-inch wheels at €1,446 which looked terrific, exterior mirrors in gloss black at €170, the ambient lighting pack at €403, and paint at €2,891, bringing an extra €4,965 to the base price. 

On the road, I was able to get a great driving position behind the wheel and travelled in sublime comfort. The engine was so refined, so very quiet and with nicely punchy acceleration that it made all my trips such a pleasure. 

The retail price is from €67,890; with extras my car came to €75,746.

 

20 March 2024

New electric Audi deliveries this summer


A new model in the Audi electric car range will open for orders soon with first Irish deliveries to customers in the summer, writes Brian Byrne.

The Q6 e-tron is the first production model on a new dedicated premium platform for electric cars developed in association with sister brand in the VW Group Porsche.

With a claimed range of up to 625km from its 96kWh battery system, the Q6 e-tron will initially be available in two AWD versions, with RWD variants coming afterwards. The Q6 e‑tron quattro accelerates from 0 to 100 km/h in 5.9 seconds, while the SQ 6 e‑tron takes just 4.3 seconds.

The SUV-format cars will also feature new lighting systems. The interior is a re-imagined focus on the needs of driver and passengers, with the driver area and instrumentation designed in a curve while the front passenger can operate a display of their own with a technology that doesn't distract the driver.

Audi in Ireland had a quarter of the premium segment market in 2023.